Attorney Murthy’s New Year Message - 2005
Posted Dec 31, 2004

At this time each year, we like to wish our MurthyBulletin and MurthyDotCom readers a Happy New Year. This year, it is difficult to think of a "happy" new year for 2005 - with so much sadness and tragedy surrounding us. The devastation from the earthquakes and the resulting 'tsunamis' took place while I was visiting India this past week. We now learn that tens of thousands are dead and many more are displaced.

A few days before the tragedy, while we were driving along the coast near Chennai, India, we had stopped near Mahaballipuram at a fishing village and taken photos of some children . It is feared that that entire village, along with many other fishing villages along the eastern coast in India, no longer exist. No people, no homes, nothing, just the debris! It fills my heart with sadness to think of those young, happy and innocent faces no longer a part of our world.

We wonder what can we do for those affected, those who are "lucky" to be alive? At this time, we can pray for the souls of the departed and help the survivors cope by providing them some practical assistance. The MurthyFoundation, with the help of our office staff at our affiliate, Murthy Immigration Services, Pvt. Ltd., in Chennai, India, will work to provide relief to some victims. We  will distribute some essentials – like clothing, utensils, dishes, rice, medicines, etc. to approximately 100 families who have been displaced by the disaster in and around Chennai. We realize that this effort is not much considering the vastness of the tragedy, but let us each help in any way we can, small or big.

With these lingering thoughts, we wish you and your loved ones a safe and peaceful 2005.

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Posted Jan 03, 2005

It was not until after returning to the United States from her recent visit to India that the magnitude of the disaster was revealed to Attorney Sheela Murthy. The Foundation has since donated an additional $12,000 to relief efforts.

Tsunami Relief Efforts : Those interested in information on contributing toward the relief effort may do so by clicking here.